Why Walk England’s South Downs Way? A Local Guide’s Perspective

If you are relatively new to long-distance walking or simply seeking an active UK walking holiday on gentler terrain – while also enjoying the highlights of quintessential English countryside – the South Downs Way really should be high on your list for consideration.

Being a designated National Trail, the South Downs Way is well marked and serviced with trail features such as water-taps and cadence cafes strategically placed along the 100 mile route to offer a more relaxed and comfortable journey. The route’s elevation, which historically made it a drier and safer choice for travel than alternative lowland routes, also makes for easier navigation. With most of the trail being on well-drained, unsurfaced tracks and footpaths that follow old routes and drove ways, this is comfortable walking terrain.

One of the things that makes this walk so special is the richness of its history, landscape and wildlife. You’ll travel through rolling chalk downland, ancient woodlands, archaeological sites and a rural landscape that has been shaped by people’s inhabitancy since Neolithic times. The trail truly offers something for every walker.

Either directly on the trail, or with just a short diversionary trip, there are numerous examples of Bronze Age settlements, Iron Age Forts and Roman archaeological sites that are well worth exploring and which provide a tangible glimpse into the historical importance of this part of Britain.

With many picturesque towns and villages dispersed along the route there is plenty of opportunity for relaxed travel, immersion into local rural village life, as well as great hospitality and food in the pubs and B&Bs that have been hand-picked for your accommodation each night.

Although never too far from a village or settlement, those wanting solitude and time for reflection can still surprisingly find this as you meander gently each day through rolling chalk downland with breathtaking views of coast and countryside, ancient shady woodlands and a peaceful rural landscape that has been shaped by the people that have settled and travelled through this part of Britain for thousands of years.

The trail also passes through or by five National Nature Reserves and dozens of Sites of Special Scientific Interest where you can enjoy stunning wildlife at close hand. Late spring and early summer are particularly special times of the year to walk the trail as the wildflowers and butterflies, for which the chalk downland is internationally recognised, are fully on display.